"Rocky" the boxing kangaroo won't appear this weekend at the Stardust Circus's performances at the Fayette County Fairgrounds in Connersville, the News-Examiner reported.

Circus owner Oscar Garcia said the kangaroo and its owner have dropped off the circus tour since People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals protested plans for the kangaroo to box with a clown during a performance in Columbus last weekend.

The kangaroo's performance was canceled after Columbus officials said circus organizers failed to file the proper paperwork.

PETA contended the exhibition would be stressful for the kangaroo. Delcianna Winders, director of captive animal law enforcement for PETA, called the boxing act "an archaic exhibition" and said the animals are "really skittish."

"They would rather flee than fight," she said.

Garcia, a third-generation circus performer, said the kangaroo's previous performances did not cause harm.

"It was a comedy act. That's all it was," Garcia said. "The animal just comes and plays with somebody's face. It's make-believe, but some people take it the wrong way. They make such a big thing about it."